Camp Bowen

From left to right: Alex Jurgensen (16) and Matthew Alvernaz (13), two friends who met at Camp Bowen. Photo by Stuart Davis for the Vancouver Sun

Please note: The following announcement was made at the Camp Bowen Society for the Independence of the Blind and Deafblind’s Annual Meeting of Members, held on Bowen Island, BC on September 17, 2019.

Announcing Camp Bowen: Linda Evan’s Memorial Music Camp

On August 16, 2019, the Board of Directors of the Camp Bowen Society for the Independence of the Blind and Deafblind unanimously approved the renaming of the Music Camp program to “Camp Bowen: Linda Evans Memorial Music Camp”, in memory of Linda Evans (October 3, 1949 January 3, 2009).

Summer after summer, Linda took great pleasure in volunteering her time at Camp Bowen, where her sing-alongs became a beloved camp staple. Those of us who were fortunate enough to have met Linda always knew that we could count on her to provide a listening ear whenever we needed it.

Among Linda’s many accomplishments, she was instrumental in the creation of Camp Bowen’s original music camp and band camp programs, the latter of which was renamed in her honour in 2008, the last year the program ran under CNIB. Her love of music and vision for what the band camp ultimately became leaves a lasting legacy that will continue on to touch future generations.

As we approach what would have been Linda’s 70th birthday on October 3 and in preparation of officially reopening the program in 2020, we are renaming the program to remember the strong, courageous, and compassionate woman who was taken from us way too soon and who’s vision and legacy will live on to inspire new generations of blind, low vision, and Deafblind musicians at Camp Bowen.

Camp Bowen: Linda Evan’s Memorial Music Camp will join Camp Bowen: Adult Camp on the 2020 summer camp roster.

Camp Bowen: Linda Evan’s Memorial Music Camp 2020 is designed to bring together low vision, blind, and Deafblind youth ages eight to eighteen on Bowen Island, BC, to learn the basics of playing musical instruments, build peer support networks, have fun, and gain confidence. Campers will explore the beginner band curriculum and will participate in an end of camp concert that their families, friends, and the Bowen Island community will be invited to attend. Giving campers skills and confidence in music fundamentals means campers can go on to take part in school band and community music programs. Camp Bowen staff are very pleased to be once again working alongside volunteers from the West Vancouver Youth Band to provide this exciting program.

Taken in 2018 at the Camp Bowen pub night fundraiser at Moose's Down Under in Vancouver, this staff photo features the Board of Directors of the Camp Bowen Society for the Visually Impaired. From left to right: Alex Jurgensen, Jessica Gladysz, Jocelyn Gladysz, Peg Mercer, Sara Batt, and Aedan Staddon.

If you haven’t got your tickets yet for Camp Bowen’s pub night fundraiser on October 5th, it isn’t too late!

The Camp Bowen Society for the Independence of the Blind and Deafblind (formerly the Camp Bowen Society for the Visually Impaired) in partnership with the CCB Friends of Camp Bowen Chapter will be holding a pub night fundraiser with a 50/50 draw, door prizes, and other fun activities. You can find full details at: campbowen.ca/events/.

When

Saturday, October 5, 2019 – 6:00 pm to 9:00pm

Where

Moose’s Down Under, 830 West Pender Street, Vancouver

Tickets

$20.00 per person – Includes choice of hamburger, chicken, or veggie burger with fries or salad, beer, wine, or soft drink.

You may purchase tickets online at:
www.campbowen.ca/tickets/

Or by calling:
+1 (604) 947-0021 extension 102

You can also purchase tickets at the door on the day and time of the event but we need you to get in touch with us first if possible. The above phone number is a great way to do that but you can also use any other method found on:
www.campbowen.ca/contact/

In order for us to be able to give Moose’s Down Under an accurate number of people attending, please order your tickets no later than October 2. Thank you!

Proceeds will benefit future summer camp programs being planned for blind, visually-impaired, and deaf blind Canadians of all ages.

Questions or Assistance

If you have any questions about our event or require assistance to get to the venue, please let us know by phone at: +1 (604) 947-0021 extension 102 or by email at:

From left to right: Alex Jurgensen and Aedan Staddon after volunteering at the sixth annual Handloggers Half Marathon on Bowen Island, BC. It was taken on the causeway, just past the finish line. Photo credit: Ali Osborne.

At Camp Bowen, it is very important to us to be part of local events and to give back to our home community of Bowen Island. On August 31, 2019, Alex Jurgensen and Aedan Staddon represented Camp Bowen as volunteers to the sixth annual Hand Loggers Half Marathon, marking the second year in a row that Camp Bowen has provided volunteers to the event. Together with the rest of the event’s volunteers, Alex and Aedan directed the more than 130 runners that took part in the half marathon, offering encouragement and support at the Cardena Dr. turnoff onto the trail and at Aid Station 3, located at Camp Bow Isle.

“I’m glad to be able to support the community at the Handloggers Half Marathon,” says Staddon. “It was nice to be able to help people and see the runners.”

We would like to congratulate the organizers of the Handloggers Half Marathon for raising approximately $4000 towards the Bowen Island Trail Society and Akili Preparatory School this year.

Taken in 2018 at the Camp Bowen pub night fundraiser at Moose's Down Under in Vancouver, this staff photo features the Board of Directors of the Camp Bowen Society for the Visually Impaired. From left to right: Alex Jurgensen, Jessica Gladysz, Jocelyn Gladysz, Peg Mercer, Sara Batt, and Aedan Staddon.

The Camp Bowen Society for the Independence of the Blind and Deafblind (formerly the Camp Bowen Society for the Visually Impaired) in partnership with the CCB Friends of Camp Bowen Chapter invites you and your friends to join us for an evening of fun at our Pub Night!

When

Saturday, October 5, 2019 – 6:00 pm to 9:00pm

Where

Moose’s Down Under, 830 West Pender Street, Vancouver

Tickets

$20.00 per person – Includes choice of hamburger, chicken, or veggie burger with fries or salad, beer, wine, or soft drink.

You may purchase tickets online at:
www.campbowen.ca/tickets/

Or by calling:
+1 (604) 947-0021 extension 102

You can also purchase tickets at the door on the day and time of the event but we need you to get in touch with us first if possible. The above phone number is a great way to do that but you can also use any other method found on:
www.campbowen.ca/contact/

In order for us to be able to give Moose’s Down Under an accurate number of people attending, please order your tickets no later than October 2. Thank you!

Proceeds will benefit future summer camp programs being planned for blind, visually-impaired, and deaf blind Canadians of all ages.

Questions or Assistance

If you have any questions about our event or require assistance to get to the venue, please let us know by phone at: +1 (604) 947-0021 extension 102 or by email at:

Who We Are

The Camp Bowen Society for the Independence of the Blind and Deafblind is a federal not-for-profit organization that operates the Camp Bowen summer camps, independent living skills training and outreach programs benefiting people who are blind and Deafblind. It also facilitates the Bowen Island Accessibility Group, a program for people with disabilities on Bowen Island, BC.

We look forward to welcoming you at our pub night.

The Camp Bowen Team

Transit/Walking Directions

Moose’s Down Under at 830 West Pender in Vancouver
is located on the south side of Pender between Howe and Hornby Streets

If Exiting Skytrain At the Granville Station

1. Get off at Granville station.
2. Exit the station at the Dunsmuir entrance which is just by the Keg on Dunsmuir.
3. Once outside the entrance, turn left and walk a short distance to the southeast corner of Granville and Dunsmuir.
4. Turn right (north) to cross to the north side of Dunsmuir Street and walk north a block to Pender.
5. Turn left (west) and cross Granville Street.
6. Walk west along the south side of Pender and cross Howe Street which is the next block.
7. Continue walking west along Pender for about 1/3 block.
8. The entrance to Moose’s Down Under has stairs going down on the right as you turn in off the street.

If Taking a Bus North on Granville

1. Get off the bus at Dunsmuir.
2. Walk north to the corner and follow directions 4-8 above.

If Exiting the Skytrain At Burrard Station

1. Turn left (north and go a short distance along Burrard to Dunsmuir.
2. Cross Dunsmuir to the north side.
3. Turn right and cross Burrard to the east side.
4. Turn left (north) and walk north on Burrard to Pender.
5. Turn right (east) on Pender and walk east to Howe which is the next block.
6. Cross Howe Street and walk about a half a block to Moose’s Down Under.

If you wish to be met by the Dunsmuir entrance of Skytrain or outside Moose’s Down Under, please let us know by calling:

+1 (604) 947-0021 Extension 102.

Camp Bowen volunteers at Bowfest 2018. From left to right: Jordan Parke, Jessica Gladysz, Jocelyn Gladysz, Aedan Staddon, and Alex Jurgensen. Photo credit: Lisa.

The Camp Bowen Society will be at Bowfest, Bowen Island’s community fair, once again this year. The community organization area of Bowfest will open at 10:30 AM on Saturday, August 24, 2019 in the field to the left of the ferry terminal when driving off the ferry. The community organization area will open directly following the community parade that will run after the previous ferry offloads.

Camp Bowen will be bringing Showdown, a Bowfest favourite sport that resembles a cross between air hockey and ping pong. Showdown is a sport originally designed on the West coast of BC for blind people but now played internationally by blind and sighted players alike around the world. Players try to get a rattling ball filled with rice into their opponents net with a paddle while the other player defends their goal. All this under blindfold. It is a lot of fun to play!!!

From left to right: Jessica, Jocelyn, and Alex. They are standing behind the Showdown table at Bowfest 2017.

While at Bowfest, stop by our community table and meet some of the friendly and knowledgeable staff behind Camp Bowen. If you’ve ever had a question or half a dozen about blindness, bring them with you and we’ll do our best to answer them. Before you leave our tent, play a round of Showdown or pick up one of our puzzle books where you can learn to decode a selection of quotes in Braille!!!

Also at Bowfest, be sure to explore the many games, food options, live music, contests, and other community booths available at the fair.

All proceeds will benefit Camp Bowen’s summer camp, independent living skills, and outreach programs.

We hope to see you at Bowfest!!!

Come join us at our Annual Meeting of Members (the term we’re now using for Annual General Meetings) to find out what the Camp Bowen Society for the Independence of the Blind and Deafblind has accomplished this past year and what we have planned going forward. Some other highlights of the agenda include a very special announcement regarding our Music Camp program and the passing of society By-Laws.

As usual, there will be the option of participating via teleconference. We will be holding the physical meeting on Bowen Island this year in the Board Room at First Credit Union (106-996 Dorman Road, Bowen Island, BC). If you plan on attending in person, please call us at: +1 (604) 947-0021, extension 102 ahead of time so we can make sure to set up the room accordingly. Directions and teleconferencing details will follow the agenda.

The Above in Legal Speak

Notice is hereby given of the Camp Bowen Society for the Independence of the Blind and Deafblind’s Annual Meeting of Members to be held in the Board room at First Credit Union (106-996 Dorman Road, Bowen Island, BC) on September 17, 2019 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM Pacific.

Agenda

Camp Bowen Society for the Independence of the Blind and Deafblind

Annual Meeting of Members

Agenda for September 17, 2019

1. 1. Call to Order
2. 2. Approval of Agenda
3. 3. Looking Back Report
4. 4. Financial Report

   Motion: That the Camp Bowen Society for the Independence of the Blind and Deafblind’s financial report for the 2018 to 2019 fiscal year be approved.

5. 5. Voting
   1. 5.1. President
   2. 5.2. 2ND Vice President
   3. 5.3. Secretary
   4. 5.4. Director At Large
   5. 5.5. Treasurer
6. 6. By-Laws
   1. 6.1. By-Law #1

      Motion:
      Whereas the Canadian Not For Profit (NFP) Act requires the membership of a corporation to pass ByLaws of the Corporation; and
      Whereas the Camp Bowen Society for the Independence of the Blind and Deafblind is governed by the Canadian Not For Profit (NFP) Act;
      Be it resolved that By-Law #1 of the Camp Bowen Society for the Independence of the Blind and Deafblind be adopted by the Corporation’s membership.

7. 7. Special Announcement for the Music Camp Program
8. 8. Going Forward Report
9. 9. Adjournment

Note: An opportunity for community discussion will follow the meeting.

Teleconferencing Details

To join the meeting via teleconference, call:

Metro Vancouver/Long-Distance Subscribers: +1 (604) 947-0021 and dial 6

Toll-Free: +1 (844) MYBOWEN (692-6936) and dial 6

Smart Phone Links

If on a smartphone, simply tap the below links to be connected to the meeting:

Metro Vancouver/Long-Distance Subscribers: +16049470021,6

Toll-Free: +18446926936,6

Directions

Board Room
First Credit Union
106-996 Dorman Road
Bowen Island BC
V0N 1G0

When coming off the ferry onto Bowen Island, follow Bowen Island Trunk Road to the first 4-way intersection. Dorman Road is on the left-hand side of this intersection. The credit union is on the far left corner of the intersection and is the first door on Dorman Road.

Questions, Concerns or Assistance

If you have any questions or concerns or require assistance to get to the meeting, please let us know by phone at: +1 (604) 947-0021. Alternately, use any method on our contact page.

This picture of Alex Jurgensen was taken on the upper portion of the dock overlooking Deep Bay at the Bowen lodge by the Sea during Adult Camp 2011. Photo Credit: Trudy Hardy.

Last time in the “A Blast From the Past” series, we shared a photo that turns ten years old this summer. This time, we’re sharing something a little different, a photo from Adult Camp 2011, the first camp run under the new leadership of the Camp Bowen Society, then called the Camp Bowen Working Group.

This picture of John T. was taken on the patio of the Bowen lodge by the Sea just outside the main doors into the dining hall during Teen Tech and Rec Camp 2009.

Here is a picture taken ten years ago this summer at Camp Bowen. It comes to us via our first FaceBook page, now defunct, where it was originally featured.

From left to right: Alex Jurgensen (16) and Matthew Alvernaz (13), two friends who met at Camp Bowen. Photo by Stuart Davis for the Vancouver Sun

As summer gets into full swing, bringing with it long days and nice weather, we’d like to take this opportunity to remind you that the new deadline to register for Camp Bowens Music Camp 2019 for Blind, Deafblind, and Low Vision BC Youth Ages 8 to 18 is fast approaching. The last day to register is July 15, 2019, under two weeks away. Campers will be accommodated on a first come first serve basis. After July 15, we will potentially have space for more campers but it is important that we know how many campers are coming as soon as possible to finalize numbers and pass final counts to our activity providers.

As always, our full camp details can be found at the following links: Web Version and :Printable/Downloadable PDF. We also now have a FAQ section that can be accessed here.

If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please direct them to our camp coordinator, Alex Jurgensen at +1 (778) 512-4721 or by reaching out to us by any of these methods.

Thank you in advance for helping us make sure all blind, Deafblind, and low vision BC youth ages 8 to 18.

From left to right: Alex Jurgensen (16) and Matthew Alvernaz (13), two friends who met at Camp Bowen. Photo by Stuart Davis for the Vancouver Sun

Hello Everyone,

Summer is just around the corner and the preparations for another camping season at Camp Bowen are underway. Registrations, finalization of details, and a host of other tasks are on the go to ensure everyone will have a fun and rewarding experience at camp.

Today, we are very excited to announce that we are making some positive changes to Camp Bowen’s Music Camp 2019 program.

In response to inquiries about the ages of campers permitted to participate in the program, we have decided to drop the minimum age requirement to 8, making the age range 8 to 18. In the past, this camp has been popular with campers as young as 8 and we are excited to welcome campers from across the age range.

The second change we are making is to our camp costs. Thanks to an anonymous donor, all camp fees have been covered. Anyone who has already registered has not been charged for the camp fees and any future registrations will likewise be accepted free of charge.

Finally, if anyone has had difficulty in registering or has not yet received confirmation of their spot, please get them to call me directly at: +1 (778) 512-4721.

Please note: If you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time. Simply go here.

The updates above are reflected in our updated information, which can be found at the below links: Web Version and the Printable/Downloadable (PDF) Version.

Please note: For vision teachers and other service providers, the PDF version above is specially formatted for printing and should be used when sending hardcopy information home to families.

If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please feel free to call me at: +1 (778) 512-4721.

Warm Regards,
Alex and the Camp Bowen Team